New York · Eastern Time
212 Area Code
Area code 212 is in New York, serving the borough of Manhattan in New York City. It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay codes 332, 646 and 917, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 212 area code?
212 is a New York area code covering the borough of Manhattan in New York City. In the wider directory it sits in the Northeast region.
Cities in the 212 area code
- New York City
- Harlem
- Upper West Side
- Upper East Side
- Midtown
- Chelsea
- Greenwich Village
- SoHo
- Tribeca
- Financial District
- Lower East Side
- Washington Heights
- Inwood
Counties served by 212
New York County.
212 overlay codes and dialing
The 212 territory is covered by an overlay of 4 area codes: 212, 332, 646, 917. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 212. Because more than one code covers the same ground, 10-digit dialing is mandatory — you must dial the area code for every local call. New phone lines may be assigned any of these codes.
History of the 212 area code
212 is one of the original area codes assigned in 1947, when AT&T and Bell Laboratories created the North American Numbering Plan and divided the country into the first 86 numbering plan areas. It has served the New York City area ever since, with 332, 646 and 917 later added as overlays to supply more numbers.
Is 212 a scam or spam risk?
212 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 212 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in New York City, NY or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other New York area codes
Explore more
See every code in New York, compare codes across the Northeast region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 2XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
212 area code FAQ
Where is the 212 area code?
The 212 area code is in New York, covering the borough of Manhattan in New York City, in the Northeast region.
What cities are in the 212 area code?
Cities in the 212 area code include New York City, Harlem, Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Midtown, Chelsea, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca and Financial District.
What time zone is 212 in?
212 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 212 area code?
212 shares its territory with 332, 646 and 917. All 4 codes (212, 332, 646, 917) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 212 area code start?
212 went into service on January 1, 1947 as one of the original 1947 North American area codes.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 212?
Yes. Because 212 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 212 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 212 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.